What is the Difference Between AI and Robotics

The main difference between AI and Robotics is that the AI is a development of the computer systems that enable them to perform tasks intelligently, similar to human beings, while robotics is a field of AI that involves designing, contracting, and operating robots that can complete one or multiple tasks with greater speed and precision.

Scientists and engineers invent various technologies to improve the quality of life. One such technology is AI (Artificial Intelligence) or Machine Intelligence. It enables a program or a machine to perform behaviours associated with human intelligence. Robotics, on the other hand, is a field in AI. Therefore, we can consider robotics applications as an AI application too.

Key Areas Covered

1. What is AI
     -Definition, Functionality
2. What is Robotics
    -Definition, Functionality
3. Difference Between AI and Robotics
    -Comparison of key differences

Key Terms

Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, Robotics

Difference Between AI and Robotics - Comparison Summary

What is AI

AI or Artificial Intelligence is the technology that allows machines to mimic human behaviours. AI-based systems allow computer systems to make decisions and predict outcomes. Furthermore, it allows the machine to learn from experience. Moreover, AI is a broad field that covers multiple disciplines, such as computer science, mathematics, engineering, and computational physics.

Difference Between AI and Robotics

Machine learning, deep learning, natural language processing are subcategories of AI. Furthermore, we can consider robotics as a subcategory of AI. Thus, it indicates that AI is a vast area that covers many aspects. Moreover, there are various applications of AI, such as games, self-driving cars, and robots.

What is Robotics

Robotics refers to designing, construction and operating robots. A robot is a computer system or a machine which is capable of performing tasks similar to a human. It takes inputs from the sensors, processes that data and perform some kind of action. Moreover, the field of robotics involves multiple disciplines including electronics, computer science, mechatronics, mathematics, nanotechnology and bioengineering.

Main Difference - AI vs Robotics

The main objective of robotics is to develop a machine that can accomplish a task similar to a human. However, the science fiction author Isaac Asimov suggested three principles regarding the behaviour of robots and similar smart machines. First, the robot must never harm human beings. Secondly, the robot must follow the instructions of the human without violating the previous rule. Finally, the robots must project themselves without violating other rules.

There are robots from the basic level to more advanced and complex level. Some basic level robots are line following robots and obstacle detection robots. However, some complex robots replicate human appearance. Also, they follow human behaviours, such as walking, lifting, and speaking. Today robots are used around the world to do various tasks. They are deployed in dangerous environments such as bomb detection. They are also helpful in space researches for handling hazardous situations. Moreover, they work in manufacturing plants. Above all, the robots which are inspired by nature support the bio-inspired robotics field.

Difference Between AI and Robotics

Definition

AI or Artificial Intelligence is the intelligence demonstrated by machines, similar to the natural intelligence displayed by humans, while robotics is a branch of engineering that involves the conception, design, manufacture and operation of robots. Thus, this is the main difference between AI and Robotics.

Main Focus

Moreover, AI is the bridge between human intelligence and machine while Robotics use AI to improve the functionalities of the robot. Hence, this is another difference between AI and Robotics.

Applications

Applications of AI are Google’s DeepMind, Apple’s Siri, and Spotify, whereas Robotics is used in medical surgeries, laboratory research, and manufacturing.

Conclusion       

The main difference between AI and Robotics is that AI is the development of computer systems that enable them to perform tasks intelligently similar to a human being, while Robotics is the field of AI that involves designing, contracting, and operating robots that can complete one or multiple tasks with greater speed and precision. In brief, Robotics is a subcategory of AI.

References:

1.“Robotics.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 12 June 2019, Available here.
2.“What Is Robotics? – Definition from Techopedia.” Techopedia.com, Available here.
3.“What Is Robotics? – Definition from WhatIs.com.” WhatIs.com, Available here.
4.“Artificial Intelligence.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 10 June 2019, Available here.

Image Courtesy:

1.”30188200627″ (CC BY 2.0) via www.vpnsrus.com
2.”reconfigurable robots” By Cheryl Ng – Own work (CC BY-SA 4.0) via Commons Wikimedia

About the Author: Lithmee

Lithmee holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Systems Engineering and is reading for her Master’s degree in Computer Science. She is passionate about sharing her knowldge in the areas of programming, data science, and computer systems.

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